I am going through the process of making a formal complaint to the board.

My new therapist actually did the complaint on my behalf so I am a co complainant

I am scared my old therapist will just justify and twist everything. Possibly even lie to cover himself.

Just wanting other peoples experiences with this and or advice,

[ScarletPimpernel]

I went through the complaint process with the board of psychology. I don't know why, but she was deemed ethical. I had emails as proof, and everyone I talked to said it was abandonment. I don't know why they came to that conclusion. They didn't say.

I thought they would have to give reasoning?

[here today]

The complaint process is about whether or not certain professionals have violated the standards. It's not about clients. It's not about "justice". It's about whether or not the therapist should continue to have a license to practice and, perhaps, take some remedial training in order to do that. The boards do not have to explain their reasoning to anyone. Still, overall, it's better than nothing, probably.

I did not file a complaint because, as far as I could tell, the only reason was my therapist continuing with my case when she was not competent. Nothing about how I was hurt by that. She eventually terminated me, so I'm not sure what else the board could or would have done. She could say that she had learned her lesson -- on me! (ugh.)

[JaneTennison1]

I submitted a complaint about ex 2. I found the process somewhat violating as she sis twist things and say things about me that were not true. Ultimately though she still terminated incorrectly and the board found that. She was cautioned and some other things to do. It was worth it to me to even send a message that what she did wasnt ok. good luck. I'm glad you have current T with you.

Current T is very supportive in the whole process. I probably wouldn't have the courage to do it without her. it's just hard going.

Getting bad dreams and more anxiety than usual over it.

[Whalen84]

That's really really good you have your therapists support. I went through the NASW ajudication processes and it was extremely difficult but extremely validating in the end.
I don't know anything about your situation. Do you have emails or text? The text between me and my ex T saved my *** 100%

I'm now in the middle of the state's investigation. I bet tjat won't be done till spring.

I'm really really glad you have your T

Yes, I have some important stuff saved.

I don't know how long the process will take but could only be a month, depending on what action, if any action, will be taken.

In saying that there was some immediate action taken already.

[precaryous]

Possibly lie to cover himself? I find it rare to read about one who does not lie and twist things.

I filed a complaint. Due to the nature of my complaint I found the experience traumatic and a portion of it was exploitive.

Initially, the Medical board (or someone) filed a Temporary Restraining Order to stop him from practicing immediately. Just recently (years later) I found out that happened because the Detective that arrested him pushed for it. (Yes, there was a criminal case, too.) I didn’t know TRO’s were special or hard to obtain.

The Medical Board case took about a year, maybe a little more, because he used every delaying tactic he and his lawyer could think of. He had several addresses. He refused to sign for the notice of complaint and demand to appear from the Medical Board. At one point, the local police were telling me they weren’t sure he was using his real name... He used several variations of his name.

Don’t know if my case is common but he lied, delayed, denied and completely trashed and lied about my character- being just about as nasty as he could be. He said I was a drug using prostitute. He lied and claimed I had seizures and had my driver’s license revoked so I couldn’t get to my attorneys, depositions or my new therapist. I had to have someone drive me 1 1/2 hours one way so I could get neurologic testing done to *prove* I did not have seizures.....so I could get my driver’s license back. Of course, these things were plausible because I was just a female mental patient and he was a psychiatrist and a professional who had graduated from a noted medical school.

He exploited me out of thousands of dollars that, he told me, he was keeping for me ..to help me. In the end, he told the police and the medical board it was his fee for writing a paragraph on my behalf to help me with my social security disability. No one charged him with fraud. No one asked him more about it. I never saw that money again.

About the medical licensing board case, I was satisfied with the ending because his license was revoked.

My main take away I learned that I share with clients about complaints is...it’s not whether you know you are right and know he is wrong. It’s about what you can prove.

You can say all day long, ‘he hurt me’ or ‘he was unethical’ but where is your proof? Can you prove he hurt you? Can you prove he behaved unethically? You’ll need to share your proof with the board. That may be emails, notes, letters, bank statements, prescription bottles, clothing, business cards, voice mails, recordings, photos..etc.

Good luck.

Can your therapist share your own stuff to the board?

Is the clients privacy respected?

[precaryous]

Originally Posted by Client xx

Can your therapist share your own stuff to the board?

Is the clients privacy respected?

Can you clarify...are you referring to the therapist you are filing a complaint against...or your current therapist?

What I remember is the medical board complaint did not use any of the victim’s names, they referred to us by our initials.

These are good questions I’ll let someone else answer bc my cases occurred many years ago.

[ScarletPimpernel]

From what I understood (could be wrong), but the therapist can give the board everything (emails, notes, etc.). That's one of the problems with reporting.

I mean can the old T share written stuff you gave to them as part of your therapy or share what you have said during therapy

Then I guess they will have fun twisting everything

[precaryous]

Has anyone checked whether the ex-t has had any board disciplines against them?

[ScarletPimpernel]

I did. I don't remember how I did though. It's been almost 5 years since she left. She didn't have any other complaints.

[precaryous]

Originally Posted by ScarletPimpernel

I did. I don't remember how I did though. It's been almost 5 years since she left. She didn't have any other complaints.

Do the boards publish all complaints or just the disciplines?
Maybe each board does it differently.
Anyway, OP, did you know you can probably check your ex-t’s license record online..(at least if they are in the States)?

[precaryous]

Originally Posted by Client xx

Then I guess they will have fun twisting everything

I wish you well, I do!
Just remember, you know the truth about Ex-T and the truth never changes!
...no matter what Ex-T says. Ex-T May lie and twist things but that is where many exploiters mess up!

You are in control. All of these people are gathering because of you to hear or read what you have to say. You can also elect to opt out or not cooperate if you feel it is too much for you.

If there was any intimacy boundaries broken you may be able to bring a sexual abuse advocate with you for support to any meeting. I believe it depends on where you live...but I think it’s worth a question!

Do you think you will bring a civil case against ex-T? The standard of proof is different for a civil case vs a criminal case. A civil case requires the plaintiff to prove his/her case by a preponderance of evidence....not proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

“There are different standards in different circumstances. For example, in criminal cases, the burden of proving the defendant's guilt is on the prosecution, and they must establish that fact beyond a reasonable doubt. In civil cases, the plaintiff has the burden of proving his case by a preponderance of the evidence.”

I am crying and extremely triggered. I can't cope.

I just saw that ex t has changed some of their website to protect themselves and I can't prove it!

[precaryous]

Originally Posted by Client xx

I am crying and extremely triggered. I can't cope.

I just saw that ex t has changed some of their website to protect himself and I can't prove it!

I’m so sorry.

Take a screen shot of everything you can. Ex-T May go back and change more items...and you will have proof.

It seems to me ex-t seems scared...I hope that helps you.
Scared Ex-T’s make mistakes.

I really appreciate the support

I wonder how many times transference has been the scapegoat for bad therapy..

It's your mother... It's your father...

No, maybe it's the t.

[Xynesthesia2]

The concept of transference is definitely often overused by some Ts when they become defensive and don't want to take responsibility. I had one of those, he even made stuff up about me directly to me, can't imagine how he would have twisted things in a formal complaint process.

Has anyone backed down from a complaint because it was too emotionally distressing?

I am only a co complainant as that's what I requested. My new therapist is actually the primary complainant.

I only have therapy once a week now and have no one else to help me through this

[precaryous]

Originally Posted by Client xx

Has anyone backed down from a complaint because it was too emotionally distressing?

I am only a co complainant as that's what I requested. My new therapist is actually the primary complainant.

I only have therapy once a week now and have no one else to help me through this

You have every right to change your mind about participating in the complaint.
It’s difficult to know what you’re getting into when you initially decide to file a complaint. Now that you have gathered information about what may be involved, no one should fault you if you change your mind.

***Your mental and physical health are *more* important than any complaint!***

I support you...in whatever decision you make.